Insects & invertebrates
Discover the UK's largest brown butterfly, the grayling butterfly
Carys McMillan from Cheshire Wildlife Trust introduces us to the UK largest brown butterfly, the grayling
Stag beetle guide: fascinating facts about the UK's largest beetle
Uncover the secret life of stag beetles: these majestic insects reveal a fascinating tale of survival and adaptation
No Mow May 2024: Why it's time to let the weeds grow
Want to help the wildlife in your garden? All you have to do this month is… nothing. Welcome to No Mow May 2024
What do ladybirds eat?
What do ladybirds eat? Do ladybirds bite? How long do they live? And where do they live? Find out all about these spotted insects with our expert guide.
Stunning bee photographs shine light on the life (and death) of more than 20,000 species
A provocative new exhibition aimed at highlighting the existential threat to thousands of bee species around the world is coming to the UK. We look at what to expect from 'Bees: A Story of Survival' through a series of spectacular images...
All you need to know about earthworms, including why they are so good for our soil
There’s a lot more to earthworms than meets the eye says Joanna Carter. Here she explains how these little critters play a crucial role in keeping our soil healthy.
British beetle guide: where to see and how to identify these fascinating insects
From the striking rose chafer to the stag, beetles are a fascinating group of insects found widely throughout the UK. Here is our expert UK beetle species guide, which explains how to identify and best places to spot them.
British wasp guide: how to identify common species, lifecycle and why wasps sting in autumn
These stinging picnic pests don’t deserve our enmity and fear – they are impressive architects that belong to highly developed and complex societies – our expert guide to wasps looks at the common species, their lifecycle and why wasps tend to sting in autumn
British spider guide - and why there are so many around
During autumn and winter you may notice an influx of spiders appearing in your garden and home. Learn why this is, as well as how long they live, what they eat and common UK species with our expert guide to British spiders.
British moth guide: common types, amazing facts and why they matter
Our moth guide looks at how to identify UK species, why they are so important and the best plants for attracting moths to your garden
British shieldbug guide: how to identify and where to see
Shieldbugs, sometimes known as stink bugs, are a common sight in Britain's gardens, parks and countryside. Though many of these shield-shaped insects may look the same, there are in fact numerous shieldbug species that live in the UK, from the common green shieldbug to the hawthorn shieldbug. Learn more about these intriguing members of the Hemiptera order with our expert guide
How to take part in the Big Butterfly Count 2023
Wildlife lovers are being urged to take part in the annual Big Butterfly Count – and what better reason to find a shady spot for 15 minutes? Here is our guide to the most common butterfly species to spot in the UK and how to take part in this year's count.
British dragonfly and damselfly guide: how to identify common species and where to see them
Summer is a great time for spotting insects on the wing in the British countryside – our expert guide explains how to identify and where to find common dragonflies, damselflies and demoiselles species.
British butterfly guide: how to identify and the best places to spot
Britain is home to 59 species of butterfly, which all play an important role in pollination. In our expert guide, we take a look at butterfly identification, common butterfly species, how long butterflies live, and where to see them in the UK.
Caterpillars guide: common UK species, what they eat and are they poisonous?
Caterpillars in the UK come in many shapes and sizes, from little green ones to striking yellow and black ones. But which is which, and what butterfly or moth do they turn into? Learn how to to identify some of the UK's most common and spectacular species, what they eat and whether they're poisonous with our beginner's guide to caterpillars.
Guide to frogs and toads: when do they spawn and how to care for them
Late January, February and March is a key time for frogs and toads as they spawn in ponds across Britain. Our expert guide to frogs and toads explains what to look out for and how to care for the amphibians in your garden.
How a gin-maker has created a wildlife haven
Explore the gardens and farm of Warners Gin in Northamptonshire where wildlife – and the flavours of nature – are encouraged, in episode 14, season 13 of the BBC Countryfile Magazine Plodcast
Podcast: Join a wild bee rescue mission near the New Forest
Join us for an extraordinary wild honeybee rescue on the edge of the New Forest with Debs 'Totty' Cruttenden in episode 10, season 13 of the BBC Countryfile magazine Plodcast.
Podcast: Wander among butterflies and birdsong on a wildlife-friendly farm
Meet George and Elaine Morris on their Buckinghamshire farm where, working with Jordans Cereals, they promote farming with wildlife – in episode 7, season 13 of the Countryfile Magazine Plodcast
Best insect spray: 6 eco friendly options
Keep biting bugs at bay with our pick of the best eco-friendly insect sprays
Best insect identification books in 2024
Want to get to know the bugs on your hikes a little better? Look no further than our selection of the best insect identification books.
Guide to grasshoppers and bush-crickets: common UK species and how to identify them
What do grasshoppers and bush-crickets eat, how high can they jump, and how do they make that 'chirp' noise? This expert guide explores all these questions, as well as some of the most common species to spot in Britain.
Half of British butterfly species threatened, near threatened, or extinct
Time is running out to save Britain’s butterflies, according to wildlife charity Butterfly Conservation, after the latest Red List assessment placed half of Britain’s butterfly species on the List. But, there is still hope.
Save the stag beetle! Join the Great Stag Hunt
One of Britain’s most spectacular insects is in decline – help save the stag beetle by joining the Great Stag Hunt this month.